The COVID-19 crisis has taught us we have the capacity to alter our behaviours very quickly. To the point we sometimes find ourselves wondering why we didn’t adopt these new behaviours sooner!

Mixed-mode commuting, aka a transportation cocktail, is not a new concept. The idea of combining different modes of transportation to reduce single-occupant driving has been around for years. Using the bus, biking and walking are alternatives that reduce traffic congestion, generate fewer GHGs and foster a healthier lifestyle.

Many of us adopted new practices during the health crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdown restrictions meant having to plan our days around essential travel only. Working from home is still widespread, and bike usage continues to grow as it allows for social distancing.

Mixing bike and bus? Easy-peasy!
In Laval, all buses are outfitted with bike racks. This allows commuters to combine biking and riding the bus, making it possible to cover longer distances during the day. It’s really practical.

Tracking the number of riders on your bus
During the pandemic, the STL developed a tool that estimates how many passengers are riding your bus along different segments of your route. Bus fullness is obtainable at stlaval.ca/passengers.

Commuting safely
The bus is an essential service that enables Laval residents to travel safely. How we travel has changed in recent months. In addition to following the usual rules of courteous conduct, public transit users are also expected to;
social distance (at the ticket office, at the bus stop, aboard the bus) wear face covering refrain from eating on the bus and leaving trash behind respect the driver’s safety buffer area favour contactless payments, passes, fewer visits to the ticket office  apply the appropriate hygiene measures.

The city of Laval is home to bike paths spanning 270 km, 6 BIXI stations, sidewalks covering  1,100 km, 46 bus routes and 3 metro stations. Access to sustainable mobility keeps growing, especially with the advent of carsharing and BIXI. Changing how we commute is often simply a matter of giving it a try, and finding out we enjoy it!